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In my continued effort to keep you informed about the REAL ID process, I wanted to pass along this newly released information I received from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for anyone wanting to obtain a REAL ID and who obtained their first driver’s license or photo ID after September 2003. PennDOT is now accepting online applications for REAL ID pre-verification. Beginning today, March 1, PennDOT will start sending out postcards to eligible customers encouraging them to visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website to request that PennDOT confirm that their documents are on file. Once a customer has completed the pre-verification application, PennDOT will review records, verify which documents are filed and then provide follow-up correspondence regarding the status of their application. If a customer becomes “verified,” they can opt into the REAL ID program online and pay the one-time $30 fee, plus renewal fee, and their REAL ID product will be sent through the mail once it becomes available. Customers are not pre-verified until they have completed the online pre-verification process and received confirmation from PennDOT that everything has been received. REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvania residents. However, to board a plane, residents must have a federally accepted form of identification (forthcoming REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport/passport card or a military ID), for commercial flights or to Read more

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 12 – Hailing the move as a huge positive step, state Rep. Dom Costa, D-Allegheny, was among the officials on hand at the City-Council Building today as Gov. Tom Wolf ended 14 years of state oversight of Pittsburgh’s finances. Costa joined Wolf, state Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and other elected officials for the announcement, which took place in Peduto’s office. “A strong Pittsburgh equals a strong region – and I was happy to personally witness the city coming out of state oversight,” Costa said. “This is a long-awaited and important day, one that helps ensure that the future is bright for our city. “As we move forward to bigger and better things, I’m looking forward to the continued open communication and productive working relationship with the mayor and city council.” The state oversight program known as Act 47 established a financial recovery plan that curtailed city officials’ budget-making power, but ultimately turned projected deficits into surpluses. With the lifting of these restrictions, city officials regained that lost control and now have a freer hand in setting budget priorities. Costa said Act 47 accomplished its goal of halting the city’s possible slide into bankruptcy, allowing it to remain solvent as necessary financial adjustments were made. He noted that 13 other Pennsylvania cities Read more

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Dom Costa, D-Allegheny, announced that he helped secure $1.5 million in state funding for a roadway project in Sharpsburg borough. Costa said he is pleased that local officials now have the available funds to improve roadway conditions and the reconstruction of 19 th Street to the Riverfront 47 development. “This is a direct reflection of what happens when elected state officials work together in a bipartisan, bicameral way,” Costa said. “The awarding of these funds to our district is crucial to the infrastructural repair process we’ve embarked upon in Allegheny County. By utilizing these funds to repair the roadways, we’re not only ensuring a better driving experience for our residents but also for those visiting Allegheny County.” In addition to the reconstruction efforts, the allotted funds will also be used for intersection upgrades; signal installation; removal of overpass and retaining walls; and the construction of retaining walls. “While the awarded funds are a part of a bigger project that includes Aspinwall borough and O’Hara Township, this is one of many positive steps that are being taken towards the revitalization of the riverfront that will benefit Sharpsburg and the surrounding communities,” Costa said. “And though my commitment to the region is unwavering, none of this would have been possible without Sen. Randy Vulakovich’s commitment to the Read more

As you may know, Pennsylvania is under an enforcement extension from the Department of Homeland Security to comply with federal REAL ID requirements. This means that your current driver’s license or ID card are still valid forms of identification for boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal facilities. According to PennDOT, the Department of Homeland Security had listed Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, as the date air travelers with licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID and that has not received an extension would need to show an approved alternative form of identification for domestic air travel, such as a passport. Pennsylvania is currently under a REAL ID extension, therefore residents with PennDOT-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards may continue to use their licenses as usual. A federally-accepted form of identification (whether it's the forthcoming Pennsylvania REAL ID driver's license or ID card, a U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used as identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building on and after October 1, 2020. PennDOT anticipates that REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards will be available to customers who want them in spring 2019, and will continue to apply for extensions from DHS until becoming REAL ID compliant. More information about REAL ID, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID , Read more

I wanted to share some information with you regarding flood insurance claims that I received from Acting Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman. Altman said it’s important for property owners who are experiencing flood damage from heavy rains to take action and to have the necessary data on hand before filing your claim. If your property is damaged by flooding, Altman urges owners to call their insurer or agent as soon as it’s practical. When possible, take photos of the damage, make a list of the property that was destroyed or lost, and gather receipts for as many of the items as you can. When you file the claim, have the name of your insurance company (if calling your agent and not the company directly), your policy number and a phone number or email where you can be reached. As a reminder, permanent repairs without the approval of an insurer may be denied. Therefore, make only those temporary repairs if it’s necessary to live in the home prior to the adjuster preparing any estimates of the damage. Furthermore, if officials require that damaged items be disposed of before the adjuster arrives, make sure to keep a sample of the items and only allow a reputable contractor to make repairs to your home. It’s also important to note that not all standard homeowners’ policies include flood insurance, so a separate policy is needed to cover flood damages. For more information on filing claims, call the Consumer Services Bureau at Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – Rep. Dom Costa has introduced a bill that would protect gratuities earned by employees. The legislation (H.B. 2003) would ensure that tips left by guests are given to the employee it was intended for and not used in other ways. A current regulation change that is under review by the U.S. Department of Labor would allow employers to take control of gratuities and distribute them as they see fit. Under the proposed rule change, pooled tips could be distributed to employees who have no contact with guests, and may be used for non-wage related expenses such as structural improvements to the place of business. In Pennsylvania, the minimum cash hourly wage for tipped employees is $2.83 and the basic combined cash and tip minimum wage rate is $7.25, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. “Tipped wage workers work extremely hard and for long hours to earn their gratuities,” said Costa, D-Allegheny. “Employers should not be allowed to use tips to cover their costs for operation.” Additionally, Costa said the increase in credit card usage will continue to impact the gratuities left to wage workers. He urges the Wage Payment and Collection Law to be revised so that technology is not used as a way to short the gratuity of employees going forward. The measure is part of House Democrats’ Plan for PA, which emphasizes putting people first, good jobs, quality schools and fair taxes. Read more

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 4 – Those who need specialized medical care and access to certain facilities are the real winners in today’s announcement of an agreement between Highmark and UPMC, said state Rep. Dom Costa, D-Allegheny. Costa said the agreement comes before a 2014 consent decree between the two competing medical network titans – which continued in-network medical care for both companies’ customers – was set to expire in mid-2019. Had the agreement not been reached, Costa said, commercial customers of Highmark would have been denied in-network access to community and specialty UPMC providers and facilities in about 18 months. “This agreement basically preserves access to facilities that offer one-of-a-kind services in the region,” said Costa, who serves as vice chairman of the House Insurance Committee. “While this is not a perfect agreement, it is a step in the right direction and I thank all parties for coming to an agreement to better the health and welfare of the entire community.” Costa said specialty facilities covered by the agreement include: Western Psychiatric Institute, UPMC Center for Assistive Technology, UPMC Center for Excellence for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis, Certain highly specialized transplant services only available through UPMC, and Selected UPMC Joint Ventures with community facilities, including oncology. Also, Highmark enrollees will have continued Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Dom Costa and Sen. Randy Vulakovich announced the awarding of $2.5 million in state funding to Riverfront 47, a proposed commercial development of the former AXCON Corp. site along the Allegheny River in Sharpsburg, Aspinwall and O'Hara Township. "This is great news not only for the developers who have had a vision of what this project could become, but also for the Sharpsburg, Aspinwall and O'Hara communities," said Costa, D-Allegheny. "Reclaiming an old industrial site and turning it into opportunities for housing, economic development and recreation will breathe new life into that 1.5-mile stretch of riverfront." Securing the funding for this project was a collaborative effort by Vulakovich and Costa, with the support of Sen. Wayne Fontana. While most of the North Shore region that will benefit from the project is in Costa and Vulakovich’s districts, Sharpsburg (which provides the access to the site) is the only North Shore community of the 42 nd Senatorial District, represented by Fontana. “This project transcended municipal borders. We worked together in a collaborative, bipartisan, bicameral effort, something that has become increasingly scarce in Harrisburg – and certainly in Washington, D.C.,” said Vulakovich, R-Allegheny. “In an economic climate where state funding is scarce and the competition for it fierce, teamwork was essential as we worked the meetings here Read more

I’m happy to announce that three community investment organizations located within my district have been selected to receive financial assistance following Gov. Tom Wolf’s approval of $17.9 million in funding through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. Those organizations include: Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group , located in Sharpsburg, which will receive $112,500 in funding to create an urban “farmhouse.” The multi-story greenhouse will produce and sell fresh, locally grown produce to area residents and restaurants year-round. Lawrenceville Corp. , in Pittsburgh, is slated to receive $180,000 that will improve resource access to nearly 300 senior citizens; create 200 parking stall and six bicycle corrals; complete the Arsenal Park Master Plan; connect up to 200 residents with the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); increase parent engagement in school by 25 percent; and much more. Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. , also in Pittsburgh, will be granted $160,000 to invest in affordable housing, remove blights and reconstruct public infrastructure. Among other things, the corporation will use the funding to boost economic vibrancy of the Penn Avenue corridor by attracting new businesses to vacant storefronts and providing homes to artists and small entrepreneurs. The NAP provides tax credits to enable businesses and community organizations to invest Read more

I'm pleased to report that a bill I co-sponsored is now on its way to the governor's desk that will reauthorize Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program for another two years. If the state hadn't acted, our program would have died at the end of this year. As Democratic vice chairman of the House Insurance Committee, I believe strongly in the continued viability of this vital program. CHIP , as it is commonly known, provides health insurance coverage to children of working families who earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance, but cannot afford to buy private insurance. This program got its start in Pennsylvania 25 years ago. In fact, the federal government used our program as the model for CHIP at the federal level. I'm even more proud that the commonwealth continues to value children's health, even if the federal government doesn't. But the fight is not yet over. Congress has failed to reauthorize funding for the federal program, which expired three months ago. The program is vital to 9 million children and expecting mothers nationwide, including more than 180,000 Pennsylvania children. Nearly 14,000 of them are right here in Allegheny County. Without federal action, Pennsylvania will run out of money for this program by spring. Tell your federal lawmakers they should care about our children's health. Part of the House Democrats’ Plan for PA is making sure that working parents have safe, Read more

I'm pleased to report that a bill I co-sponsored is now on its way to the governor's desk that will reauthorize Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program for another two years. If the state hadn't acted, our program would have died at the end of this year. As Democratic vice chairman of the House Insurance Committee, I believe strongly in the continued viability of this vital program. CHIP , as it is commonly known, provides health insurance coverage to children of working families who earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance, but cannot afford to buy private insurance. This program got its start in Pennsylvania 25 years ago. In fact, the federal government used our program as the model for CHIP at the federal level. I'm even more proud that the commonwealth continues to value children's health, even if the federal government doesn't. But the fight is not yet over. Congress has failed to reauthorize funding for the federal program, which expired three months ago. The program is vital to 9 million children and expecting mothers nationwide, including more than 180,000 Pennsylvania children. Nearly 14,000 of them are right here in Allegheny County. Without federal action, Pennsylvania will run out of money for this program by spring. Tell your federal lawmakers they should care about our children's health. Part of the House Democrats’ Plan for PA is making sure that working parents have safe, Read more

Act 10 of 2017 , the landmark overhaul of Pennsylvania’s animal-protection laws that many of us worked tirelessly to enact, took effect during the heat of August. But now, with the onset of colder weather, here’s a reminder that under Act 10, a dog cannot be tethered for longer than 30 minutes in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the same restriction applies when it’s 90 degrees or warmer. Continuous tethering can cause severe physical damage such as cracked and bleeding paws, frostbite, hypothermia and even death of a beloved pet. Under the law, animals must be provided sanitary shelter that allows the animal to maintain normal body temperature and keeps the animal dry all year. The law also provides dogs these commonsense protections: No more than nine hours tethered in 24-hour period; Tether must be the longer of three times the length of the dog or 10 feet; Must have water and shade; Must be secured by an appropriate collar during longer-term tethering — no tow or log chain, nor choke, pinch, prong, or chain collars; Tethered space must be clear of excessive waste; and No open sores or wounds. Please click here for more information about the state’s new animal-protection laws, including the enhanced penalties for violations and added protections for horses. More information about reporting suspected animal abuse is available here . Also, with 2017 winding down, Read more

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Dom Costa, D-Allegheny, is announcing the award of $2.2 million in five state grants, four of which will come through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and the fifth from the Gaming and Economic Tourism Development Program. Costa said the grant awards are: $1.5 million to Riverfront 47, LP, for transportation improvements along Main and 19th streets in Sharpsburg Borough. This money comes from the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund and will fund numerous improvements leading to eventual development of a 60-acre, 1,5-mile riverfront site along the Allegheny River. $250,000 to Riverfront 47, LP for a planning and design study of the Sharpsburg, O’Hara, Aspinwall (SOA) Riverfront Trail Project located in those three Allegheny County boroughs. This money from the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program will determine the best way to rehabilitate the river’s edge, create a conservation area and implement a 1.5-mile segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that is currently missing. “These two grants are a testament as to what happens when elected state officials work together in a bipartisan, bicameral way to bring funds for projects that are in the best interests of the community,” Costa said. “These improvements will help spur development of a 60-acre, 1.5 mile section of the riverfront while also adding trail access, transforming the site into a vibrant mix of Read more

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 11 – State Rep. Dom Costa, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing at the Teamsters Local Union 249 Hall to discuss affordable housing and rebuilding neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Costa, chairman of the Allegheny County Delegation, said the hearing generated good discussion from city officials and redevelopment professionals about opportunities to improve neighborhoods and develop more affordable housing. “Affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization are important issues in my district and throughout our communities. I am glad to bring the Policy Committee here to explore the issues firsthand,” Costa said. Testifiers included: Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor, District 5; Eric Stoller, chief development officer, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh; Jason Tigano, real estate director, Economic Development South; Robert Rubinstein, executive director, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh; Ray Gastil, director of city planning, City of Pittsburgh; and Larry Swanson, executive director, ACTION-Housing Inc. Hearing testimony will be available at www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee . Read more

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Dom Costa, chairman of the Allegheny County Delegation, announced today he will host a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing to discuss affordable housing and rebuilding neighborhoods. The public hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Teamsters Local Union 249 Hall, 4701 Butler St. Costa requested the hearing because it is an important issue for him and many municipalities in his district who are looking for ways to increase affordable housing while revitalizing their neighborhoods. The current agenda is: 2 p.m. – Welcome and opening remarks 2:10 p.m. – Panel One: Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor , District 5 Eric Stoller , chief development officer, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh Jason Tigano , real estate director, Economic Development South 3:00 p.m. – Panel Two: Robert Rubinstein , executive director, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh Ray Gastil , director of city planning, City of Pittsburgh Larry Swanson , executive director, ACTION-Housing Inc. 3:50 p.m. – Closing remarks Media coverage is invited. Read more

State Reps. Madeleine Dean, D-Montgomery, and Dom Costa, D-Allegheny, announced their plan to introduce legislation to update the state definition of offensive weapons to include firearm modifications that assist in rapid firing, like the ones used in the Las Vegas shooting, which resulted in 59 deaths and over 500 injured. Read more

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